Result(s):
Sexually active, but not abstinent, women were significantly more likely to express TH2-like cytokine ratios (IFN-γ < IL-4) in the luteal phase than in other phases. Similarly, sexually active women had significantly higher P, and higher P-E2 ratios, in the luteal phase than did abstinent women. The P-E2 ratio mediated menstrual variations in cytokine ratios in sexually active women.
Conclusion(s):
These results support the hypothesis that shifts in immune response across the menstrual cycle may reflect tradeoffs between reproduction and immunity. These findings point to the need for further research on the interaction between sexual behavior, the menstrual cycle, and immune response.

Given that the participants were in long-term monogamous relationships, did the authors detect any differences in Th1/Th2 ratio based on the length of the relationship? Understandably, a larger study may be needed to answer this question. Interesting article!

Jason M. Franasiak

An interesting study investigating the Th2-Th1 ratios. It will be of interest to see how this might be impacted at the level of the reproductive tract, perhaps via cervical swabs throughout the menstrual cycle.

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